Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s recent foray into Hollywood raises questions about their potential return to royal life. Following their appearance at Kris Jenner‘s 70th birthday party, a public relations expert has suggested that reconciling their royal duties with their new entertainment careers may be “impossible.”
The couple reportedly faces a significant crossroads regarding their future. Evidence of their attendance at Jenner’s celebration was swiftly removed from social media, indicating their desire to maintain a low profile in relation to the royal family. According to Ruth Sparkles, director of EMPRA, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex risk losing credibility in the UK as they increasingly immerse themselves in Hollywood culture.
“If they’re genuinely trying to rebuild bridges with the Royal Family, they can’t keep leaning too far into the Hollywood lifestyle,” Sparkles stated. “It just doesn’t fit with royal duty and restraint.” She advised that the couple should focus on strengthening their royal connections over the next 12 to 18 months, suggesting a return to a more low-key lifestyle could help restore their public image.
Controversy surrounding their Hollywood ties intensified when a representative for the couple requested that both Kim Kardashian and Jenner remove all photos of Harry and Meghan from the birthday event. A source indicated that the couple is keen to avoid further upsetting the Royal Family while attempting to mend existing rifts.
Concerns about the couple’s lifestyle have been echoed by palace insiders, who described it as “tacky” and noted that it highlights how far removed Harry has become from royal traditions. The distance between Harry and Meghan’s attitudes toward their future is also widening. Reports suggest that Harry longs for a return to the UK, while Meghan prepares for her Hollywood comeback in a new film titled Close Personal Friends, in which she is expected to appear as herself.
The film, featuring Lily Collins and Brie Larson, marks Meghan’s return to acting after an eight-year hiatus. Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliam has observed that this decision underscores Meghan’s shift towards embracing her new life in the United States. “Harry still feels very deeply about his homeland and would like to spend more time in the UK,” Fitzwilliam noted. “The same cannot be said for Meghan, so there’s a clear divergence in opinions there.”
Despite his desire to return, Harry has expressed uncertainty about doing so, especially following a legal defeat regarding security arrangements after losing a case against the Home Office. This situation complicates his relationship with the Royal Family further.
Yet, there may be signs of easing tensions. In September 2023, Harry had a private meeting with his father, King Charles III, at Clarence House. This reunion suggests that discussions about their relationship and future might be taking a more positive turn, although the couple’s Hollywood ambitions continue to draw scrutiny and speculation about their royal ties.
As Harry and Meghan navigate this complex landscape, their next steps will likely shape not only their personal lives but also their public personas in relation to the British monarchy.
